Elephant9 with Terje Rypdal: Catching Fire

As I listened to Catching Fire the purveying thought in my head was this would be a must see live. I know you are thinking, but Eric, this is a live album! Indeed it is, recorded in Oslo back in 2017 by this trio and Norwegian guitarist and composer Terje Rypdal. Catching Fire does just that, when these guys hit their stride, they are powerful, I would even say fierce. My biggest issue with Catching Fire is that it often takes them awhile to catch fire. I understand how important dynamics are here, the atmospheric and often times psychedelic leanings are necessary to contrast the heavy and at times unrestrained intensity on display. The opening “I Cover The Mountain� is a perfect example, over the course of its 22+ minutes, the payoff starts around the 15 minute mark, as Rypdal’s guitar begins feeding back, and the band is grinding away with that monster organ kicking in. For me, that’s a lot of down time, and I lose connection with the music. “Dodovoodoo� comes out swinging with organ and drums, absolutely raw and aggressive; this one goes right for the throat. As they take their foot off the gas, it falls into a rather repetitive hypnotic section for a bit sprinkled with a little mellotron, but that balance is needed. And, as expected they get things cranking again at the end of the song. “Psychedelic Backfire� is too repetitive, and the rhythm section plods along, an uninteresting improvisation/jam.

The second half of the album features shorter tracks, the five minute sonic assault that is “John Tinnick� is a burst of pure energy, this one hits home with me. As good as the first 5 or so minutes of “Fugi Fonix� are, the last 5 is little more than repetitive noodling to my ears. “Skink� opens with ripping organ as the bass and drums furiously pound away and they continue to do so as organ and guitar wail over the top.

I think the live experience would have my jaw dropping to the floor. I am very intrigued, because certain moments blow me away, while other sections lose me. I can see myself looking back on this a few years down the road and wanting to up the stars in this review. I can’t say enough about the energy and power on display, but the repetitive nature, and long spacey interludes make it difficult for me to rate this higher. Invite me to see them live, and I am there!

Track List:
1. Cover The Mountain Top
2. Dodovoodoo
3. Psychedelic Backfire
4. John Tinnick
5. Fugi Fonix
6. Skink

Added: December 21st 2024
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 311
Language: english

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